AROUND MAQUOKETA AS OF 3/17/03 by Judy Carr

The Maquoketa Fire Department will soon have a new aerial truck to help fight structural fires.  The City Council voted to approve the purchase of a used aerial truck from John Rideout d/b/a John’s Welding in Merrysville, Ohio in the amount of $193,000. This is a completely refurbished fire truck that will replace the department’s current aerial truck. A new aerial truck would cost approximately $700,000.  The City Council accepted a bid in the amount of $8,001 from Brad Harper for the old aerial truck.  Mr. Harper collects fire equipment and will add this truck to his collection. 

The Park & Recreation Commission went out for bids for new playground for the girl’s ball diamond on Kathey Drive.  The Commission had $10,000 to spend on equipment and three companies turned in drawings of what could be purchased in that price range.  After much review, the Commission felt that Premier Playground Inc., had the best selection for the age group that would be using the equipment.  Council voted to go ahead and purchase the equipment from Premier and get it put up in time to be used this year. 

The Historic Preservation Commission is selling personalized bricks that can be purchased by citizens and will be placed around the water fountain or the flower garden in front of the Ohnward Fine Arts Center.  The Commission is doing this as a fundraiser to raise money for future projects.  Interested persons can choose from a 4X8 brick with three lines of writing or an 8X8 brick with six lines of writing.  The smaller brick will be $50 and the larger brick is $100.  It will cost an additional $100 to add a logo.  This purchase is considered a tax deductible donation with proceeds going to the Maquoketa Historic Preservation Commission.  Please contact Elaine Potter at 563-652-3949 for more information. 

The City Council approved a resolution setting a policy for purchases made for the City.  This resolution sets spending limits for department heads and the City Manager and lays out how larger purchases should be made. 

The Public Safety Committee has made a recommendation to Council members to make the west side of Ehlers Lane no parking.  This item was brought up after several cars were parked on both sides of the street and officers noticed that emergency vehicles would not be able to get through the street.  This proposed ordinance will go before the council on March 17^th.

The Maquoketa City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Budget and CIP on Monday, March 10^th with no increase to the tax rate.  The necessary paperwork will be forwarded to the State by the specified deadline.